Today’s update:
2017/18 Season (52 matches)
Season Summary:
Championship = 1st (Champions - Promoted to the Premier League).
FA Cup = 3rd Round.
League Cup = 4th Round.
Top Goalscorer = Diogo Jota (18).
Fans' Player Of The Season = Rúben Neves.
Players' Player Of The Season = Rúben Neves.
After the disappointments of 2016/17 season, Head Coach Paul Lambert was relived of his position on May 30th 2017 and a new appointment was made the following day with the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo from FC Porto.
Nuno was not the only new arrival in the off season with the following notable players also signed including Rúben Neves for a club record fee of £15.8M, Barry Douglas for £1M and free transfers in of Ryan Bennett and John Ruddy. Loans in (with options to buy) included Willy Boly, Rúben Vinagre, Diogo Jota, Léo Bonatini and Alfred N’Diaye.
A revolution was quickly taking hold at Molineux as these new additions along with Conor Coady, Hélder Costa, Matt Doherty, Romain Saiss and Ivan Cavaleiro formed the nucleus of a Wolves team that would dominate the Championship that season leading the table from October 31st and staying put winning both the title and gaining promotion to the Premier League with a tally of 99 points, the club’s highest-ever in the 2nd tier.
Nuno, in addition to developing a tremendously effective 3-4-3 system, installed a unique togetherness amongst the players whilst developing a special bond with the fanbase.
Right from the start of the season this team was different. Conor Coady emerged as the team’s commanding leader, Matt Doherty became fit and effective in a bespoke role and the new talents in Willy Boly, Diogo Jota and Rúben Neves shone in a team brimming with skill and confidence.
Although Wolves won the league in style, 2nd place Cardiff City finished 9 points behind Wolves, the campaign saw numerous memorable matches for the fans to enjoy.
A 2-0 home win in October against local rivals Aston Villa and consecutive thrashings of Leeds United (4-1) and Notlob (5-1) in November.
The last match of 2017 saw a resilient Wolves win 2-1 at Bristol City, where Wolves were reduced to 10 men for most of the match. The team clawed their way back into the game climaxing with Ryan Bennett scoring an unforgettable last minute winner.
And the title was effectively sealed with another hard fought win, this time a 1-0 win away at chasing Cardiff City who missed 2 penalties in stoppage time.
Unlike the 2 previous promotions to the Premier League in 2002/03 and 2008/09, the team rarely missed a beat. There was no consecutive losses during the league campaign and throughout the season the team played with a verve and style that was simply a joy to behold.
In many ways this was probably the most satisfying and enjoyable Wolves season since the First Division triumphs under Stan Cullis in the 1950s. But would the club continue to progress and be able to successfully compete in the Premier League in 2018/19 ?
